It can solve equations and show students each step in deducing a mathematical answer, but PhotoMath isn't winning raves except from students. Developer MicroBlink says educators are viewing the app as a problem instead of embracing the software as an instructional tool.
Using a smartphone's camera for optical character recognition, the PhotoMath app nearly instantly solves scanned equations.
In an open letter to colleagues, Glenn Wardell, a teacher at Nevada's North Valleys High School, states PhotoMath and other tech is pushing the profession of teaching to a tipping point. Software like PhotoMath will render textbook problems and homework obsolete, he claims
"We have talked about the purpose and need to rethink what homework is for, and the tipping point is rapidly approaching where we really need to make some changes to what and how we handle it," states Wardell in his letter. "We need to think deeply about how we can create an environment of learning both in and outside the classroom, because the technology is making outside the classroom a moot point unless we make some changes long term."
MicroBlink, however, doesn't want the focus on PhotoMath to be on the aspect of potential cheating. Instead, the app's developer is spotlighting PhotoMath's ability to help students progress when they're stumped by schoolwork.
"Most of the news about PhotoMath focus[es] on it's use as a cheating tool," says MicroBlink. "Let's be honest: Many kids cheat anyway, and an app which solves math problems automatically won't make this problem worse. However, PhotoMath can be really helpful to many children when they are stuck with their homework and there is no one around to help them to figure it out."
Right now, PhotoMath isn't capable of solving word problems, handwritten text, geometry or calculus -- and it definitely can't help anyone calculate this. But what it can resolve includes basic arithmetic, fractions, decimals, powers, roots, linear equations, log, exp, sin, cos and printed text.
"If we can eliminate children's frustration at the point when they can't do anything else but helplessly stare at the book, we'll feel awesome -- it's as simple as that," says MicroBlink. "In fact, we're sure that the same questions were raised when calculators entered classrooms. With PhotoMath app, our goal is to make a much more useful calculator."
